Keeping temp. for White wine

[skogkatt]

At dinner around the big bird yesterday we had discussion on proper temp. for white wine. Question was whether frig. at 34-40 degrees was okay, and if a problem, why and what happens to the wine? Appreciate your thoughts.

[Innkeeper]

It depends are whether you are talking about before, during, or after. Most dry white wine should be served at around 55 degrees F. During the meal it should be kept cool. One of those teracota wine coolers is great for keeping it cool. If there is leftover wine of any color or level of dry/sweetness, put it in the smallest container that it will fill up, seal it tightly, put it in the refrigerator, and drink it within a day or two afterwards.

[skogkatt]

Thankyou, but if it is unopened can the frig. temp. cause changes and how long can you leave a white (say Chardonnay) in the frig.?

[Innkeeper]

If it had been chilled, most people recommend putting it back in the fridge. It can be kept there for several months if necessary. If it has not been chilled keep it and any other wine on hand layed down in coolest, darkest place in your abode. With white wine you have to careful how long you store it. Most white wines have short life spans. If you lay down a 2000 pinot grigio, for example, you best drink it by mid 2003, if not the end of 2002.

[Thomas]

A refrigerator spews dry air--not good for the cork. Also, when a wine is too cold (red or white) many of its characteristics are subdued by the temperature, and the wine leans toward bland.

[Innkeeper]

"Most people" doesn't include moi. When we get shipments this time of year, they usually arrive well chilled. I just put them in wine cellar, and they do just fine; unless they have been frozen along the way.